Ballot for 2019 Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award Announced

The process is pretty simple. A committee of Hoosier librarians, caregivers and project coordinators nominates five books each year. Then, Hoosier kids ages 0-5 vote for their favorite book at their local library or participating child care program. Of course, the little book critics get a bit of voting help from grown-ups.

The 2019 nominees are: 

Read about the 2018 Firefly Award winner.

Haven’t read these books yet?

No worries. Because this is an Indiana Center for the Book initiative, libraries are encouraged to provide access to the books and to have special Firefly story times. If you are not sure you’ll be able to find these books at your local library, contact your local library and ask about the books and how to vote! The award will be announced on May 17, 2019.

Who can vote?

Children who are under age 6 as of May 1, 2019, may vote for the 2019 Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award. Of course, most children will require help from a parent, caregiver or librarian. To vote, kids circle their favorite Firefly nominee on their ballot and turn it into their local voting location. Some libraries will give kids a sticker for their vote!

Picture books have an important role in the first years of the life of a child. This award encourages parents, caregivers and very young children to learn about great picture books — for free! For more information on the award, please visit us here: http://www.in.gov/library/firefly.htm

The 2019 Early Literacy Firefly committee:

• Kirsten Eamon-Shine—Early Learning Indiana
• Tina Ervin—Goshen Public Library
• Melissa Freed—Tippecanoe County Public Library
• Mary Graber—Peabody Public Library
• Christina Jones—Monroe County Public Library
• Stephanie Maggart—North Manchester Public Library
• Ashley McNally—Hancock County Public Library
• Heather Morlan—Poseyville Public Library
• Kara Motsinger—Jefferson County Public Library
• Teresa Moulton—New Albany-Floyd County Public Library
• Shirley Mullin—Kids Ink (a member of our Brighter Readers Book Crew)
• Dawn Stoops—Allen County Public Library
• Heather Sullivan—Anderson Public Library
• Suzanne Walker—Indiana Center for the Book
• Beth Yates—Indiana State Library

Build Your Child’s Brighter Future!

Want to dive deeper into helping your little one build language skills? Check out our Play and Learning guidance about English and language arts for:

• Babies—From baby talk to body talk, babies learn so many word skills in their first year.
• One-year-olds—Chatter, scribbles and tons of books lay a foundation for lifelong language skills!
• Two-year-olds—So much to say, so little time! Toddler’s communication skills increase at lightning speed.
• Three-year-olds—New phrases, new words, new solo “reading” — at three, little ones find new ways to play with language every day!
• Pre-K learners—Getting ready for school success means that pre-K is a year of huge language growth.